Thinking about a quick, affordable way to see some of Avalon’s best-known sights? This Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour offers a surprisingly enjoyable glimpse of the island’s highlights without breaking the bank. It’s a 50-minute ride that’s perfect if you’re short on time but still want to get a sense of Avalon’s charm and scenery.
What really makes this tour stand out? First, the new open-air safari vehicle, The Eagle, creates a fun, relaxed atmosphere, and a naturalist guide adds a layer of insight that’s more than just surface-level commentary. Second, the spectacular views from high above give you photo opportunities that are hard to beat.
That said, there’s a small caveat: limited stops mean you won’t get out at every landmark or be able to click photos of the scenery from different angles. If you’re hoping to hop off and explore each site, this might not satisfy that craving. Still, for many visitors, it offers a compact, scenic overview that’s more about the ride and narration than extensive exploration.
If you’re someone who values a comfortable, guided experience with plenty of insider stories and stunning vistas, this tour could be a good fit. It’s especially suited for travelers looking for a quick, scenic introduction to Avalon’s highlights without spending hours on a more in-depth tour.
Key Points
- Comfortable open-air safari vehicle with great vantage points.
- Knowledgeable naturalist guides who enrich the experience with local insights.
- Spectacular views over Avalon, Catalina Island, and the surrounding landscape.
- Limited stops, so expect to stay on the vehicle for most of the tour.
- Price point makes it accessible for many; at $45 per person, it’s a reasonable short adventure.
- Not suitable for very young children or those with mobility concerns, as baby strollers, wheelchairs, and electric carts aren’t allowed.
What to Expect from the Tour
When you step onto the bride of the ferry dock, you’ll check in at the Catalina Adventure Tours window, located in a brick building near the ferry. The actual tour departs from the parking lot just a few feet away. Once aboard The Eagle, the open-air safari tram, you’re set for a 50-minute ride that covers Avalon’s most iconic sights.
Planning more time in Avalon? We've covered other experiences worth considering.
The Route and Highlights
The tour begins with a drive past the Catalina Casino, a historic landmark and one of Avalon’s most recognizable buildings. From here, you’ll see the lively waterfront and get a sense of Avalon’s resort-town vibe. The naturalist onboard will point out the Casino’s architectural details and share snippets of its Hollywood history, although some reviews mention that not all visitors get a clear view or are able to photograph it easily.
As you continue, expect to see Lovers Cove, a tranquil spot famous for snorkeling and relaxing. The guide will talk about the island’s natural beauty and the ecological efforts to preserve its wildlife.
Next, the bus heads toward Wrigley Mansion, which offers a glimpse of Avalon’s affluent past and stunning views from higher ground. The tour then makes its way to Mt. Ada, William Wrigley Jr.’s private estate, which provides sweeping panoramas of the island and ocean.
A highlight for many is the stop at Descanso Beach, where you can enjoy the scenery and snap some pictures. While you won’t be able to get out and walk around during the tour, the naturalist will point out the best angles and offer tidbits about Catalina’s ecosystem and history.
The Views and Photo Opportunities
The panoramic vistas from the high points are often cited as the most memorable part of this experience. From the top of Mt. Ada, you’ll get an impressive look over Avalon and the ocean beyond. The views are perfect for taking photos, especially if you’re quick to capture moments from the moving vehicle.
Narration and Guide Quality
The naturalist onboard plays a big role in making this tour worthwhile. Many reviews mention guides like David, who are described as knowledgeable, pleasant, and funny. They share interesting stories and facts about Avalon and Catalina Island, elevating the experience beyond just sightseeing.
However, some travelers have noted that the guide can sometimes mumble or seem forgetful of their script, which can make it hard to catch all the commentary. Still, overall feedback tends to be very positive about the guides’ friendliness and insightfulness.
More Great Tours NearbyThe Value for Money
At $45 per person, this tour offers a compact, scenic overview of Avalon and Mt. Ada. Given the price, it’s hard to beat for those wanting a quick, guided ride with great views and engaging narration. It’s an easy buy if your goal is to get a sense of Avalon’s layout and highlights without committing to a longer, more involved tour.
Bear in mind that you’re mostly seated throughout, so if you’re looking for an active, get-out-and-explore experience, this might fall short. But for casual sightseers, it hits the sweet spot in terms of value.
How It Compares to Other Tour Options
While this tour is popular, there are alternatives that include more stops or private options, like golf cart tours or longer sightseeing adventures. The upside here is its simplicity and quick pacing—perfect if you’re on a tight schedule or want to see the key sights without fuss.
Some reviews mention that they had expectations to stop and get out at sites like the Casino, but the tour mainly stays on the vehicle. If that’s important to you, double-check the itinerary or consider other tours that might offer more in-depth exploration.
Practical Details and Tips
- The tour departs from the ferry dock, so it’s easy to fit into your arrival or departure plan.
- Remember, no hotel pickup or drop-off is included, and transportation to Avalon is on your own.
- The vehicle is open-air, so dress appropriately, especially if weather is cool or windy.
- Binocular rentals are available for $6 if you want to get a closer look at wildlife or distant scenery.
- The tour isn’t suitable for young children under 5, and baby strollers, drones, or electric wheelchairs aren’t permitted onboard.
- Tours run in the morning, afternoon, and evening—check your schedule for availability.
What Travelers Are Saying
Many reviewers have praised the guides’ knowledge and friendliness, with some calling the guide “phenomenal” and “very informative.” The views, especially from high points like Mt. Ada, are often described as “outstanding,” making the ride worthwhile despite some minor drawbacks.
A few critiques mention that because the tour doesn’t allow for stops to get out and take photos, some people felt they could only see the sights from the bus—less ideal for avid photographers. Others pointed out that the guide’s speech could be hard to understand at times, which might be frustrating for those wanting detailed narration.
Who Should Consider This Tour?
This experience is well suited for visitors who want a quick, scenic overview with a friendly guide and stunning views. It’s ideal if you’re short on time, looking for an affordable introduction to Avalon, or prefer a relaxed, narrated ride rather than a walk or more active tour.
It’s probably not the best choice if you’re hoping for multiple stops, more photo opportunities, or a deeper dive into Catalina’s sights and history. Nor is it suited for very young children or mobility-challenged travelers, given the restrictions on strollers and wheelchairs.
Final thoughts
All in all, the Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour offers a worthwhile snapshot of Avalon. The combination of a comfortable safari vehicle, friendly guides, and breathtaking views makes it a solid choice for casual sightseers wanting to get a feel for the island’s highlights without a long commitment. It’s especially good if you appreciate guided narration and panoramic vistas, but keep in mind the limited stops if you’re eager to hop out and explore more intimately.
Whether you’re visiting Catalina for a day or just want an easy way to see the island’s most famous spots, this tour provides good value and memorable scenery — perfect for adding a scenic layer to your Catalina adventure.
Catalina Island City & Scenic Mt. Ada Tour
FAQ
Is this tour suitable for children?
It’s not recommended for children under 5, mainly because of restrictions on baby strollers and electric wheelchairs. The ride itself is about 50 minutes, so it might be fine for slightly older kids, but it’s more of a sightseeing ride rather than an interactive or family-focused activity.
What does the tour include?
It includes a naturalist guide, a custom-built safari vehicle with open-air seating, and wildlife spotting opportunities. The vehicle is designed to give great views while keeping the ride comfortable.
Can I get out and walk around at sights?
No, the tour does not allow stops for visitors to get out and explore. You’ll mainly stay seated and enjoy the narration and scenery from the vehicle.
How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 50 minutes, making it a quick snapshot of Avalon’s most famous landmarks and scenic spots.
Where does the tour depart from?
It departs from the ferry plaza, specifically from the Catalina Adventure Tours check-in window located in a brick building near the ferry dock. The vehicle boards just behind that area.
Is transportation to Avalon included?
No, transportation to the island itself is not included. You’ll need to arrive by ferry or other means beforehand.
Can I rent binoculars during the tour?
Yes, binoculars are available for rent at $6, which can enhance wildlife viewing and distant scenery.
What if I want a longer or more in-depth tour?
This tour provides a quick overview. If you prefer more stops, exploration, or detailed history, look into other options like private golf cart tours or longer sightseeing adventures.
This tour is a friendly, scenic way to get a taste of Avalon’s highlights. If you’re after a relaxed ride with good views and insightful narration, it’s worth considering for your Catalina visit.
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